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August 16, 2023St Oswald’s Way – Stage 3 – Craster to Warkworth.
This is the third stage of the 97-mile St Oswald’s Way. A stunning days walking from Craster to Warkworth along the stunning Northumberland Coast, the last coastal stage.
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Turn by Turn Directions
This section starts in the Northumberland fishing village of Craster, famous for the Craster kipper. Leaving the picturesque harbour of Craster, and Dunstanburgh Castle on the horizon, which we passed on stage 2 of the walk. Heading south we pass through the garden of The Jolly Fisherman Inn (Video 4:20), and south head down the coastline towards Cullernose Point (Video 5:30), which is a haven for sea birds.
The coastline is very rugged as we continue south. We come across a property on the coast (Video 6:25), which was originally constructed as a bathing house by Earl Grey, who is famous for developing Earl Grey Tea. As we continue south, we pass Rumbling Kern (Video 7:10), which takes its name from the noise the water makes when the sea comes into the inlet. We have some options here, by either taking the path along the head of the dunes or dropping down onto the beach for a while.
Reaching Low Stead Links (Video 8:00), a site of scientific interest and the outlet of Howick Burn. Crossing the bridge we can see Iron Scars on our left. Again we have options (Video 8:40) to either follow the path or to drop down onto the beach as we head towards Boulmer.
Boulmer (Video 10:00) was originally a small fishing village, and historically(18th & 19th Century) a den for smuggling on the North East coast with Will Faa, King of the Yetholm Gypsies, being one of the most notorious characters. Much of the illicit activity was planned at the Fishing Boat Inn, which still exists and offers a nice break if you have the time.
Leaving Boulmer we have a very pleasant walk along Boulmer Haven and Fluke Hole before crossing the fairways and clubhouse of Alnmouth Golf Club (Video 11:30). On our way to Alnmouth we get some great views across the coastline south of Alnmouth (Video 13:20).
On entering Alnmouth we walk through Northumberland Street, where there are many facilities (Video 14:10). Our route takes us along the River Aln estuary and we walk along Lovers’ Walk (Video 15:30) on our way to the bridge crossing.
Once on the southern side of the Aln, our route takes us inland, where we have a great view of Alnmouth. This stage of the walk takes us through the dunes, with great views from Alnmouth to Amble. Passing the Warkworth Golf course on our right, we come to a path through the fairways (Video 20:10). We now leave the coastline for a final time and head inland towards Warkworth. Heading over the fields, we get our first view of Warkworth Castle (Video 20:40). Our route takes us over the ancient bridge (Video 21:00), dating back to the 14th Century and through the gatehouse.
The route takes us along the River Coquet. It is worth taking some time to take in the river walk as well as Walkworth Castle dating back to the 12th Century (Video 21:40), before ending this stage in the village of Walkworth itself.
The next stage takes us inland towards Rothbury, and stage 4 of St Oswald’s Way.
Outdoor Catch-Up:
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Resources used whilst bringing you this walk…
Mapping and Directions:
OS Map App – Ordnance Survey Maps and routing
Maps – Ordnance Survey Maps
Compass – Must have
Equipment used:
Jacket – Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket – Equipment Review
Jacket – Montane Gravity Gore-Tex Jacket
Footwear – Merrell Accentor Sport GTX
Boots – Scarpa Rush Trek GTX – Equipment Review
Trousers – Montane BMC Terra Pants
Waterproof Trousers – Mountain Hardwear Epic Pant
Socks – 1000 mile wool fusion double layer
Head Torch – Lifesystems Intensity 220 Head Torch – Equipment Review
Backpack – Hi Gear Active22
Bladder – Camelbak 2.5L Hydration Reservoir
Camera Kit
GoPro 5 – Go anywhere action camera
hohem iSteady Pro 4-Gimbal stabiliser – Making your video professional
Lavalier Microphone – Capture professional audio
Insta360 ONE X2-360 Degree Camera – bringing video to a new dimension
Insta360 3M (10ft) Invisible Selfie Stick – make it look like a drone
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Other Walks & How to equipment guides you may be interested in:
Other Walks:
St Oswald’s Way – Stage 2 – Bamburgh to Craster
St Oswald’s Way – Stage 1 – Holy Island to Bamburgh
Ingram Valley – Linhope – Ravenhill
Hen Hole, Three Sisters, Dunsdale & The Cheviot – What Great Walking.
Historic Market Town of Morpeth, Surrounding Countryside & River Walking.
Simonside Hills Circular in the Northumberland National Park.
Expert Review links:
Plan Watch Walk – Expert Reviews.
How to buy – The best Waterproof Jacket.
How to but – The best Walking Trousers.
St Oswald’s Way – Stage 3 – Craster to Warkworth.This is the third stage of the 97-mile St Oswald’s Way. A stunning days walking from Craster to Warkworth along the stunning Northumberland Coast, the last coastal stage. |
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